U.S. patent application number 16/308777 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-17 for device and system for monitoring and treating muscle tension-related medical conditions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Biotrak Health, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert L. Bratzler, Adam Kirell, Eric Lee, Erk Lillydahl.
Application Number | 20190313934 16/308777 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60578205 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190313934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Eric ; et al. |
October 17, 2019 |
DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND TREATING MUSCLE
TENSION-RELATED MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Abstract
Mobile systems and devices can employ surface electromyography
(sEMG) technology and other sensing technologies for measuring
muscle tension and managing chronic pain conditions. These systems
and devices can sense and quantify excessive muscle tension and can
facilitate management of excessive muscle tension and chronic pain
through cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacologic intervention,
or a combination of both.
Inventors: |
Lee; Eric; (Wilmington,
DE) ; Bratzler; Robert L.; (Wilmington, DE) ;
Lillydahl; Erk; (Wilmington, DE) ; Kirell; Adam;
(Wilmington, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Biotrak Health, Inc. |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60578205 |
Appl. No.: |
16/308777 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
June 12, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2017/037054 |
371 Date: |
December 10, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62348735 |
Jun 10, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/192 20130101;
A61B 5/0002 20130101; A61B 5/7455 20130101; A61B 5/7275 20130101;
A61B 5/0402 20130101; A61B 5/4848 20130101; A61B 5/02405 20130101;
A61B 5/7405 20130101; A61B 5/14551 20130101; A61B 5/4824 20130101;
A61B 5/6803 20130101; A61B 5/0533 20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101;
A61B 5/7465 20130101; A61B 5/0488 20130101; A61B 5/02055 20130101;
A61B 5/742 20130101; A61B 5/0476 20130101; A61B 5/746 20130101;
A61B 5/01 20130101; A61B 5/4839 20130101; A61K 31/216 20130101;
A61B 5/486 20130101; A61K 31/612 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/0488 20060101
A61B005/0488; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00; A61B 5/0205 20060101
A61B005/0205; A61B 5/01 20060101 A61B005/01; A61B 5/0402 20060101
A61B005/0402; A61B 5/0476 20060101 A61B005/0476; A61B 5/1455
20060101 A61B005/1455; A61K 31/216 20060101 A61K031/216; A61K
31/612 20060101 A61K031/612; A61K 31/192 20060101 A61K031/192 |
Claims
1. A system for detecting muscle tension, comprising: a wearable
device having at least one sensor unit configured to generate at
least one output indicative of a level of muscle tension, and
circuitry for processing the output.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein processing the output comprises
detecting when the output exceeds a threshold thereby indicating
that a user of the wearable device is experiencing undesirable
muscle tension.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the undesired muscle tension is
excessive muscle tension or inadequate muscle tension.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein processing the output further
comprises providing an alert when the output exceeds the
threshold.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the alert is one or more of a
haptic alert, a visual alert, or an audible alert.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein processing the output comprises
transmitting the output to an app executing on a computing
device.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: the app that is
configured to receive the output transmitted by the circuitry of
the wearable device and process the output to produce a real-time
display indicative of the level of muscle tension.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the mobile or app is further
configured to detect when the level of muscle tension exceeds a
threshold and in response notify a user of the wearable device.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein notifying the user includes
presenting one or more treatment techniques that the user can
perform to reduce the muscle tension.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more treatment
techniques include one or more relaxation techniques, one or more
cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, and/or one or more
pharmacologic agents.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the app is further configured to
monitor the output after presenting the one or more treatment
techniques to verify whether the one or more treatment techniques
have reduced the muscle tension.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the mobile or app is configured
to store the output over time and to analyze the stored output to
detect patterns or trends in muscle tension.
13. The system of claim 7, wherein the mobile or app is configured
to transmit the output to one or more remote computing devices,
servers, or cloud based storage system.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more remote
computing devices, servers, or cloud based storage system include a
computing device, servers, or cloud based storage system of a
healthcare provider with which the user has a relationship.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the mobile or computing device
is configured to receive communications from a user of the one or
more remote computing devices, servers, or cloud based storage
system and to display the communications to the user of the
wearable device, the communications including instructions for
addressing the muscle tension.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more remote
computing devices, servers, or cloud based storage system include a
computing device that receives output generated by a plurality of
wearable devices worn by other users.
17. The system of claim 7, wherein the mobile or app is further
configured with telecommunication features to connect with a remote
clinician.
18. A method for treating an indication, comprising use of the
system of any of claims 1 through 17.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising administration of
one or more pharmacologic agents, and/or one or more cognitive
behavioral therapies intended to treat the indication.
20. The method of either claim 18 or 19, wherein the indication is
selected from the group consisting of pain, inflammation, anxiety,
depression, sleep-related disorders, hypertension, seizure,
hyperlipidemia, ADHD, ADA, IBD, IBS, constipation, pelvic floor
pain, incontinence, PTSD, and tinnitus.
21. The method of any of claims 18 through 20, further comprising
administering the one or more pharmacologic agents in response to
an alert from the wearable device.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of administering
further comprises modifying a regimen of the one or more
pharmacologic agents to initiate, reduce, or terminate use of the
pharmacologic agents.
23. The method of any of claims 18 through 21, further comprising
administering at least one of a physical activity, physical
therapy, a relaxation technique, a dietary restriction, counseling,
a companion animal, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive
processing therapy, and prolonged exposure therapy.
24. A system for detecting an indication, comprising: a wearable
device having a sensor unit configured to detect one or more
biological signals of the indication, the sensor unit further
configured to generate an output indicative of the indication, and
circuitry for processing the output.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein processing the output comprises
detecting when the output exceeds a threshold thereby indicating
that a user of the wearable device is experiencing the one or more
biological signals indicating undesirable muscle tension.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the one or more biological
signals is selected from the group consisting of muscle tension,
heart rate, temperature, EEG, EKG/ECG, GSR, HRV, and pulse
oximetry.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein the indication is selected from
the group consisting of tension headache, migraine, TMJ/MPD, muscle
pain, chronic pelvic pain, non-disc low back pain,
hypercholesterolemia, PTSD, apnea, insomnia, bruxism, hypertension,
ADD, ADHD, urinary incontinence, alcoholism, substance abuse,
arthritis, chronic pain, fecal elimination disorders, traumatic
brain injury, vulvar vestibulitis, epilepsy, dementia, Alzheimer's
disease, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, Crohn's disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, anxiety, depression,
vertigo, hyperlipidemia, and pain associated with cancer and
post-concussion syndrome.
28. A method of treating an indication of claim 27 in a patient in
need thereof that comprises (i) administration of an effective
amount of at least one pharmacologic agent, and (ii) prescribing
use of the system of any of claims 1 through 27.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication is a
migraine.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the pharmacologic agent is
selected from the group consisting of an analgesic, an NSAID,
acetaminophen, barbiturates, antidopaminergic drugs, muscle
relaxants, vasoconstrictors, anticonvulsants, beta blockers,
serotonin antagonists, antidepressants, antihistamines, topiramate,
amitriptyline, propranolol, fremanezumab, eptinezumab,
galcanezumab, and erenumab, and other monoclonal antibodies
peptides, biomolecules, and small molecule drugs for treating
migraines.
31. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication is multiple
sclerosis.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the pharmacologic agent is
selected from the group consisting of natalizumab, ocrelizumab,
alemtuzumab, daclizumab, teriflunomide, fingolimod, mitoxantrone,
other biologicals such as interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b,
peginterferon beta-1a, and other small-molecule drugs, for treating
multiple sclerosis.
33. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication is acute and
chronic pain conditions.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the pharmacologic agent is
selected from the group consisting of analgesics, NSAIDs, opioids,
and other biologicals or small-molecule drugs for pain management
and treatment.
35. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication is sleep
disorder, including insomnia, sleep apnea, circadian rhythm
disorders, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the pharmacologic agent is
selected from the group consisting of dopamine agonists,
benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, melatonin receptor
simulators, opiates, anticonvulsants, anti-narcoleptics, orexin
receptor antagonists, suvorexant, eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem,
triazolam, temazepam, ramelteon, doxepin, trazodone, tiagabine,
diphenhydramine, melatonin, tryptophan, valerian, and other drugs
for treating sleep disorders.
37. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication is anxiety.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the pharmacologic agent is
selected from the group consisting of anti-anxiety drugs,
antidepressants, steroids, misoprostol, lidocaine, Cymbalta,
Effexor XR, citalopram, Paxil CR, escitalopram, quetiapine,
sertraline, Paxil, venlafaxine, paroxetine, pregabalin, duloxetine,
Pexeva, Irenka, Celexa, Prozac, sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine,
amitriptyline, venlafaxine, paroxetine, Prozac Weekly, Luvox CR,
Luvox, prazosin, fluvoxamine, and other drugs for treating
anxiety.
39. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication is a neurologic
disorder, comprising at least one of epilepsy, dementia, and
Alzheimer's disease.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the pharmacologic agent is
selected from the group consisting of brivaracetam, carbamazepine,
diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam, eslicarbazepine, ethosuximide,
felbamate, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine,
perampanel, phenobarbitol, phenytoin, pregabalin, tiagabine,
topiramate, valproate, zonisamide, and other biologicals and
small-molecule drugs for treating neurologic disorders.
41. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication is
depression.
40. The method of claim 41, wherein the pharmacologic agent is
selected from the group consisting of Avonex (interferon beta-1a),
Betaseron (interferon beta-1b), Copaxone (glatiramer acetate),
Extavia (interferon beta-1b), Glatopa (glatiramer acetate),
Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a), Rebif (interferon beta-1a),
Zinbryta (daclizumab), Aubagio (teriflunomide), Gilenya
(fingolimod), Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), Lemtrada
(alemtuzumab), Novantrone (mitoxantrone), Ocrevus (ocrelizumab),
Tysabri (natalizumab), Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, and other biologicals
or small-molecule drugs for treating depression.
41. The method of claim 28, wherein said indication is selected
from the group consisting of tension headache, migraine, TMJ/MPD,
muscle pain, chronic pelvic pain, non-disc low back pain,
hypercholesterolemia, PTSD, apnea, insomnia, bruxism, hypertension,
ADD, ADHD, urinary incontinence, alcoholism, substance abuse,
arthritis, chronic pain, fecal elimination disorders, traumatic
brain injury, vulvar vestibulitis, epilepsy, dementia, Alzheimer's
disease, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, Crohn's disease, IBD,
constipation, anxiety, depression, vertigo, hyperlipidemia, and
pain associated with cancer and post-concussion syndrome.
42. The method of claim 28, wherein the indication manifests at
least one biological signal detectable by the system.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one biological
signal is selected from the group consisting of muscle tension,
heart rate, temperature, EEG, EKG/ECG, GSR, HRV, and pulse
oximetry.
44. The method of claim 28, further comprising alerting the patient
via an output of the system.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the output comprises at least
one of an audible signal, a visual signal, and a haptic signal.
46. The method of claim 45, further comprising alerting the patient
via an output of the system of at least one of (i) the presence of
the at least one biological signal, (ii) the presence of the
indication, (iii) a reminder, (iv) coaching, and (v) a remedial
action for the indication.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein at least one of the reminder,
the coaching, and the remedial action for the indication alerts the
patient to complete at least one of (i) administer the
pharmacologic agent, (ii) complete a physical therapy exercise,
(iii) complete a relaxation activity, and (iv) other forms of
cognitive behavioral therapy.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the physical therapy exercise
or relaxation exercise comprises at least one of stretching, deep
breathing, controlled breathing, progressive muscle relaxation,
focused muscle contractions, walking, meditation, eliminating
light, changing position, and assuming a body position.
49. The method of any of claims 28 through 48, further comprising
administration of at least one of a physical activity, physical
therapy, a relaxation technique, a dietary restriction, counseling,
a companion animal, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive
processing therapy, and prolonged exposure therapy.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Excessive muscle tension has been identified as a leading
cause of chronic tension-type headaches, migraine, orofacial pain,
as well as other pain conditions remote to the head and neck, such
as low back pain, chronic pelvic floor pain, fibromyalgia, etc. The
most common treatment option involves the use of pharmacologic
agents (or drugs, which term is used synonymously in the present
invention). Studies have also shown that behavioral modification
therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
biofeedback, and relaxation training are effective in mitigating or
resolving these muscle tension-related syndromes and a myriad of
other medical conditions associated with mental stress and anxiety,
including depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, hypertension,
insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), and urinary incontinence, etc. Traditionally,
behavioral modification treatment of these conditions is done in a
psychologist's office using instruments and wired biosensors
connected to the patient. Close supervision and biofeedback-based
coaching by trained professionals generally yield significant
improvement and alleviation of these muscle-tension-induced
conditions. This approach, however, has not attained its
potentially widespread use because of inconvenience, expense, and
stigma associated with psychological treatments. The vast majority
of patients referred to a psychology office for biofeedback simply
never show up there. Sporadic or unreliable access to professional
resources also contributes to inconsistent outcomes. The economic
and social costs of the resulting failure of compliance are
considerable in terms of increased direct medical costs, lost
productivity, and lower quality of life.
[0002] As an example, migraine and tension-type headaches (TTHA)
are among the most pervasive, often debilitating, tension-related
pain conditions (see "Headache Disorders," Fact Sheet updated April
2016, World Health Organization (website:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs277/en/). In the United
States alone, more than 38 million people suffer from these
conditions as of 2016 (see Russo A F. Calcitonin gene-related
peptide (CGRP): a new target for migraine. Annual Review of
Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2015; 55:533-552; see also Migraine
facts. Migraine Research Foundation website.
http://migraineresearch
foundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/). A recent study in
Europe also associated headache with stress (see Schramm, S H, et
al., The association between stress and headache: A longitudinal
population-based study, Cephalalgia, 2015, Vol. 35(10) 853-863).
These conditions are most often treated using drugs as a primary
therapeutic approach. However, it is also well established that
biofeedback therapies can be used to alleviate the underlying
stress and tension that cause or exacerbate such disorders (see
Yucha, C. and Montgomery D., "Evidence-Based Practice in
Biofeedback and Neurofeedback," Association for Applied
Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 2008, ISBN 1-887114-19-X). The
present invention builds upon the paradigm that any physiological
process that responds to stress will respond to stress reduction.
Accordingly, one aspect of the invention relates to the effective
reduction of tension-related pain conditions by means of
biofeedback-assisted relaxation therapy (BART). Another aspect of
the invention relates to the additive and/or synergistic effects of
BART and administration of drugs, in the form of "combination
therapy," to produce treatment outcomes superior to those of either
therapy used alone as "monotherapy."
[0003] Advances in electronics and sensor technology have produced
a variety of stationary (fixed in one location) and wearable
(mobile) systems that monitor different body functions such as
heart rate, repetitive motion (e.g., steps), blood pressure, blood
oxygen level, respiration rate, etc. Certain systems combine one or
more sensors and electronics for simultaneous monitoring of EEG
(electroencephalogram), EKG/ECG (electrocardiogram), GSR (galvanic
skin response), temperature, heart rate, heart rate variability
(HRV) and other biological signals. As an example, a commercially
available wearable device such as Muse.TM. is a meditation aid that
offers real-time EEG-based biofeedback, but does not offer coaching
nor is it directed towards treatment of a medical condition. These
omissions limit its usefulness and effectiveness. Other digital
therapeutic approaches target pre-diabetes (e.g., WellDoc, Glooko,
Omada Health, Livongo), cardiovascular disorders and hypertension
(AliveCor, Twine Health), and mental health (Akili, Ginger.io).
These are either based on mobile software applications or a
combination of mobile applications and live coaching, and do not
rely on biosensor-based feedback. In the area of migraine
headaches, commercial devices have recently become available based
on electrostimulation. For example, Cefaly.TM. (U.S. Pat. No.
8,702,584) operates by external trigeminal nerve stimulation
(e-TNS) where electrical pulses are sent to the upper branch of the
trigeminal nerve to suppressing migraine attacks. eNeura.TM. (U.S.
Pat. No. 8,740,765) uses single-pulse transcranial magnetic
stimulation (sTMS) to manage migraine episodes. Thync.TM. (U.S.
Pat. No. 8,903,494) is another system that uses electrical
stimulation to activate nerve pathways for controlling stress
level, mood, and sleep quality. gammaCore.TM. (U.S. Pat. No.
8,676,33) is a device based on non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation
(nVNS) that uses electric current for transcranial stimulation. The
term non-invasive refers in this case to the use of skin-contact
electrodes in place of implantable electrodes. By definition,
however, all electrostimulation methods are invasive. Long-term
side effects will require extended monitoring and analysis to
detect and establish conclusively. This contrasts with approaches
based on non-invasive measurements of biological signals and
treatment methods derived from analysis of those signals. Surface
electromyography, or sEMG, detects electrical signals on the skin
surface originating from muscle contractions. This is a
non-invasive technology that has been relied upon by healthcare
professionals in clinical settings for measuring muscle tension,
and to manage tension-related stress and pain conditions. And yet,
to this point, no mobile sEMG-sensor-based systems have been used
diagnostically to identify the sufferers of muscle tension related
syndromes who are candidates for BART used alone (monotherapy), or
for synergistic benefits created by combining the use of relaxation
training techniques and pharmacological treatment (combination
therapy). There is also no known mobile sEMG-sensor-based system
that alerts users of impending onset of muscle-tension-induced
pain, and the opportunity to administer pharmacologic agents to
avert full-blown pain. There is also no known mobile system to
monitor muscle tension to measure the effect of a drug designed to
treat excessive muscle-tension-induced medical conditions. There is
also no known mobile system which combines sEMG biosensors with
other biosensors in the same mobile system. Moreover, there is no
known mobile system which measures, records, and stores sEMG
signals with other biological signals for integrated data analyses
on the mobile system and in computing devices remote to the mobile
system. To reach these functional goals, there is a need for
systems that directly measure patient status and provide
ambulatory, real-time feedback and alerts to the user, in addition
to self-guided coaching (or interactive coaching prescribed by a
healthcare provider) to provide timely relief of the pain
conditions, in addition to connectivity to enterprise-level data
management and data analytics aimed at improving quality of care
and patient outcome on an on-going basis.
[0004] The present invention, Halo.TM., is the first system that
enables accurate sEMG measurements to be used as the basis for
treatment protocols, especially BART, on a mobile technology
platform familiar to modern users. Deployed as monotherapy or as
drug combination therapy, it is aimed at greatly expanding the
reach of healthcare professionals to a large patient population
beyond the clinic, while reducing the cost of pain management by
empowering users to self-administer proven behavioral and/or
pharmacologic intervention procedures, or under the guidance of
healthcare professionals, in a timely manner critical to successful
outcomes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates generally to systems and
devices that employ surface electromyography (sEMG) technology for
measuring muscle tension. These systems and devices can sense and
quantify excessive muscle tension and can facilitate the reduction
of tension through cognitive behavioral feedback therapy, e.g.,
relaxation training, pharmacologic intervention, or a combination
of both. The present invention can therefore serve as an
enhancement of, or alternative to, drug-based therapies and is
therefore particularly relevant to the emerging field of digital
therapeutics and integrated healthcare.
The present invention addresses many of the problems that exist in
the prior art by offering a mobile version of the laboratory
(stationary) sEMG instrument that monitors muscle tension in real
time, is simple to use, and provides a meaningful indication of the
user's condition as well as a selection of coached,
well-established relaxation techniques. The portable system enables
timely access and intervention in various situations. With
convenient connectivity options, the present invention enables
telemedicine and other modern treatment modalities previously
considered too complicated or expensive to implement to a large
patient population. As such, the present invention can contribute
significantly to the new connected health paradigm.
[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention can comprise a
wearable device that includes sensors for measuring one or more
biological signals including muscle tension, using sEMG; brain
activity, using EEG; heart activity, using EKG/ECG; blood flow,
using pulse oximetry; blood vessel dilation using temperature
sensors, and electrodermal activity using GSR. The device can also
include electronics for transmitting output of the sensors to a
computing device, where the output can be analyzed and displayed to
the user, or analyzed, stored, and accessed to inform and support
decisions on intervention and/or treatment in settings outside the
clinic. In the current context, "computing device" refers generally
to devices or systems with data processing capabilities and
interfaces for interaction with users, which include patients and
healthcare professionals. Some examples of computing devices are
smartphones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, and the
like; and application-specific programs ("apps") designed to
operate on those devices. The apps can be configured to analyze the
sensor output to identify when the user is experiencing excess
muscle tension and other conditions, and in response, can notify
the user to provide guidance on how to reduce the excess tension.
In this way, the present invention can assist the user in reducing
their stress-induced muscle tension and preventing the onset of an
acute and/or chronic pain condition.
[0007] The app can also be configured to continue analyzing sensor
output while and after presenting guidance to the user to thereby
track the effectiveness of the presented tension reduction
techniques, as well as treatment reminders, event logs, and other
means of encouraging compliance to recommended activities. For
example, the app may monitor sensor output while coaching the user
through a relaxation technique and/or after recommending that a
particular pharmacologic agent be administered to the user to
verify whether the user's muscle tension subsides in response to
these treatments. In this way, the app may learn over time which
techniques and pharmacologic agents are most effective for the
particular user and can customize itself for future
recommendations. Similarly, the app may analyze historical sensor
output to detect patterns or trends in the occurrence of muscle
tension and subsequent pain conditions. For example, the app may
detect that the user frequently experiences muscle tension at a
particular time of day or at a particular location (e. g., by
correlating GPS and other environmental data with the sensor
output). The app may then incorporate such findings into future
analysis to thereby allow the app to more accurately predict the
onset or occurrence of muscle tension and pain. In other
embodiments, the app may incorporate input from other sensors in
the smartphone or other computing device such as accelerometers,
altimeters, ambient light sensors, GPS coordinates, heart rate and
the like, to further assist in the identification of environmental
factors that may trigger or exacerbate muscle tension related
conditions in addition to other triggers from emotional or physical
stress, certain foods, hormones, and medical conditions (see
http://www.migraine.org.uk/js/plugins/filemanager/files/downloads/Migrain-
e_triggers.pdf).
[0008] In some embodiments, because mental stress is often
manifested by tension in the muscles in the head, shoulders, and
neck, the wearable device may be in the form of a patch, headband,
hat, cap, helmet, hard hat, visor, neckband, headphone, headset,
in-ear monitor, ear muffs, or shoulder strap that includes sensors
for detecting the tension of muscles in the forehead, the temple
region, the mandible region, the neck region, or other muscle
groups in the head. For example, in one instance a neckband
includes one or more external sensors that contact the trapezius
muscles in the neck and/or shoulder region of the user. In other
embodiments, the wearable device is configured to be worn on other
parts of the body to allow the tension of any muscle or muscle
group to be monitored. In this way, the present invention can be
employed not only to monitor tension due to mental stress, but to
also monitor desirable muscle tension such as in the case of
athletic performance monitoring. In short, the present invention
can be employed to monitor the tension of any muscle or muscle
group to allow real time analysis and feedback.
[0009] In some embodiments, the present invention may employ
additional types of sensors in addition to the sEMG sensors to
detect other physiological parameters. In such cases, the wearable
device or devices can be configured to relay output from any of the
sensors to the app for analysis. In this way, the present invention
can further analyze whether another physiological condition (e.g.,
blood oxygen level, heart rate) may be affecting muscle tension in
either a positive or negative way.
[0010] In some embodiments, the present invention may employ a
single sensor that is capable of detecting multiple biological
electrical signals that traverse a broad frequency range and
encompass traditional EEG, EKG/ECG and sEMG outputs. In such cases,
the wearable system or devices can be configured to process the
electrical signals to extract relevant EEG, EKG/ECG, and sEMG
components for separate display and analysis.
[0011] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Understanding that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system that includes a
wearable device in the form of a headband and an app;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates the arrangement of electronic circuits,
power supply, and sensors in the headband portion of the
system.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified schematic of a computing
device and mobile application.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the network architecture of a mobile
system comprising a wearable headband, computing device, and
cloud-based components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. System 100 includes a
wearable device 101 (which in this example is in the form of a
headband) and an app 102 that is configured to communicate with
wearable device 101. Device 101 comprises a computing unit 101a
that includes a sensor unit which in this case is configured to
detect a level of tension in the muscles of the forehead. Computing
unit 101a can also include appropriate circuitry for transmitting
an output of the sensor unit to app 102. In some embodiments,
computing unit 101a may also include, or be coupled to, a feedback
unit incorporated into device 101. The feedback unit can be
configured to provide a user alert comprising at least one of
audible, visual, and/or haptic feedback such as when the output of
the sensor unit indicates an excessive level of tension. As used
herein, the term "haptic" is understood to include any output that
is detectable to a user via the touch sense. Non-limiting examples
of haptic outputs may include vibration, heat, or electrical
current.
[0018] The sensor unit of device 101 can employ surface
electromyography sEMG to detect the tension level of the
surrounding muscle(s). Electromyography is a technique for sensing
a voltage that is generated when muscles contract. The voltage
level produced during contraction is dependent upon the amount of
muscle contraction as well as the number of contracted muscles.
Therefore, if the muscles in the forehead are tightly contracted, a
higher voltage will be produced than when the same muscles are only
lightly contracted. By placing electrodes in close vicinity to the
contracted muscle(s) (e.g., directly on top of these muscles), the
voltage generated during contraction of the muscles can be
detected. If the detected voltage rises above a specified
threshold, it can be determined that the user is experiencing
excess tension which may indicate the onset of a pain
condition.
[0019] Computing unit 101a can be configured to continuously or
periodically transmit the output of the sensor unit to app 102. App
102 can then store this output as an indication of the tension
level of the monitored muscle(s) over time. App 102 can also be
configured to provide guidance or coaching to the user when the
output of the sensor unit indicates that the user is experiencing
excess tension. For example, when the output of the sensor unit
indicates that the user is experiencing excess tension in the
muscles of the forehead, app 102 can be configured to guide the
user through one or more relaxation exercises that are intended to
reduce tension in the forehead and/or to take one or more
pharmacologic agents. In this way, system 100 can assist the user
in preventing or minimizing the occurrence of a tension
headache.
[0020] Computing device 101a may include an array of sensors for
measuring muscle tension via sEMG, electronics (e. g., an analog to
digital converter(s), amplifier(s), a processor), wireless
communication capabilities (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), an
antenna, user-interface components for providing haptic, audio,
and/or visual output from the wearable device, switches, and a
power source in the form of a rechargeable battery. The main
function of the wearable device is to capture sEMG signals
generated by the subject and to transmit them to the computing
device in a suitable format. A representative arrangement of
components for the wearable device in the form of a headband is
shown in FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 3 provides a simplified schematic of computing device
101a to represent how sensor output can be provided to app 102. As
shown, computing unit 101a can include a sensor unit 200 that
comprises an array of electrodes/sensors (e.g., electrodes 200a and
200b) which are configured to sense a voltage level (e. g., the
voltage that is generated by contracted muscles that are in the
vicinity of electrodes 200a and 200b in accordance with sEMG
techniques). Sensing unit 200 can be configured to continuously
output a signal representing the sensed voltage level. In exemplary
embodiments, this signal can be passed through an amplifier 201 and
an analog to digital converter 202 and possibly filtered prior to
being input to a transceiver 203. In some embodiments, transceiver
203 can represent a BLE module or another module that employs any
suitable wireless protocol for communicating with a personal
computing device such as a smartphone. Transceiver 203 can process
the input signal in a suitable manner (e.g., to generate a number
of samples 210 per time period) and then periodically transmit
samples 210 to app 102.
[0022] Upon receiving samples 210 (e. g., via a Bluetooth interface
provided by a computing device on which app 102 executes), app 102
can store the samples 210 in database 250. Alternatively, or
additionally, app 102 may be configured to relay samples 210 to one
or more remote computing devices (e. g., a server) for storage
and/or analysis. Therefore, database 250 can generally represent a
database on the computing device or on a server accessible to the
app.
[0023] App 102 can include one or more processes 251 that are
configured to further process samples 210 to output meaningful data
to the user. For example, processes 251 may generate a display that
indicates a tension level based on the values of samples 210. This
tension level can be represented by normalizing the sensor output
in accordance with a scale (e.g., a pain scale of 1-10), or
depicted qualitatively to indicate the direction and magnitude of
change. In some embodiments, processes 251 may be configured to
monitor samples 210 over a period of time to calibrate system 100
for a particular user. For example, processes 251 can track
minimum, maximum, and average values of samples 210 to identify a
relaxed and a tension threshold for the user. In one embodiment, a
tension threshold is set by an average value of samples 210 over a
specific duration, for example 10 seconds. In some embodiments,
processes 251 can be configured to prompt the user for input to
identify when the user is in a relaxed or tense state thereby
allowing processes 251 to correlate particular values of samples
210 with such states. In this way, app 102 is programmable to
recognize when the user is in a tense state. In one embodiment, app
102 is programmable to include a custom user threshold, which is
determined and set by the user.
[0024] In some embodiments, computing unit 101a may be configured
to generate signals that include an identifier of a location of the
body where the sensor unit is to worn. For example, assuming
sensing unit 200 is intended to be worn on the forehead,
transceiver 203 may be configured to associate a forehead
identifier with samples 210 to thereby inform app that samples 210
represent the tension of the muscles in the forehead.
Alternatively, if sensing unit 200 were intended to be worn over
the temples, transceiver 203 may be configured to associate a
temple identifier with samples 210. In embodiments where a device
may be configured to be worn on various parts of the body, app 102
may be configured to allow the user to specify where the device is
being worn. For example, processes 251 may be configured to receive
input from the user identifying where the device is being worn and
may then associate an appropriate location identifier with
subsequently received samples. In one embodiment, processes 251
further comprise impedance detection to ensure proper contact
and/or placement of one or more sensors and/or electrodes of the
device. In other embodiments, sensors incorporate identifiers
associated with specific locations of use and which are recognized
automatically by processes 251 with no user intervention. One
reason for associating samples with a location of the body that is
being monitored for tension is to allow processes 251 to present
appropriate guidance to the user when tension is detected. For
example, if a device is being worn on the arm to measure tension in
the bicep, app 102 may output different guidance/analysis when
tension is detected than would be provided when the device is worn
on the forehead. Accordingly, the association of a location
indicator with samples can facilitate presenting appropriate
guidance for assisting a user to reduce tension, properly train the
muscles, or address some other condition.
[0025] In addition to the real-time monitoring and detection
techniques described above, app 102 can also be configured to
process historical samples to detect tension patterns, to identify
which guidance techniques produced better results, or to detect a
potential condition. For example, processes 251 can analyze samples
stored in database 250 (which can be stored with a timestamp) to
determine whether the user experiences tension at a particular time
of day. If so, app 102 can notify the user and assist the user in
determining why tension is occurring at that particular time. For
example, if device 101 is worn at night and includes a sensor unit
positioned over the temporomandibular joint, app 102 may detect
that the user experiences tension in the temporomandibular joint
region, such as in the masseter muscle, while sleeping and may
present recommendations to the user to address the issue.
[0026] In some embodiments, app 102 may correlate data from
external sensors, for example, location data, with sensor data 210.
For example, while receiving sensor data 210, app 102 may also
obtain current GPS data. Then, app 102 can process sensor data 210
to identify times of relaxation or tension and correlate these
times with the user's location. In this way, app 102 can assist the
user in identifying situations/locations when the user is likely to
experience tension and/or relaxation.
[0027] App 102 may also monitor samples over time to identify
whether a user is improving or regressing. For example, app 102 may
evaluate samples generated at a particular time or at a particular
location over a number of days or visits to that location. If the
samples indicate a reduction in tension over time, app 102 can
notify the user that current treatment techniques appear to be
working. In contrast, if the samples indicate an increase or no
change in tension, app 102 may recommend other
treatments/techniques. In short, app 102 can be configured to
evaluate obtained samples to not only identify when the user is
currently experiencing tension, but to also identify patterns in
occurrences of tension, correlations of occurrences with locations
or situations, trends in occurrences, etc. In this way, app 102 can
assist the user in identifying and implementing an appropriate
treatment technique.
[0028] In some embodiments, App 102 may include features to
capture, record, and document the condition of the user, including
but not limited to headache conditions in terms of frequency,
intensity, and duration, and to store such information before,
during, or after treatment. In one embodiment, the condition
information is entered in the form of a "headache diary." In some
embodiments, App 102 may include features to query, record, and
document the administration of one or more pharmacologic agents
that the user self-administers or is administered by a healthcare
provider as treatment for the muscle tension or headache
conditions, including the identity of the pharmacologic agent or
agents, dosage, and frequency of administration, undesirable side
effects, and the therapeutic effect the user experiences in terms
of frequency, intensity, and duration of the muscle tension or
headache conditions. In some embodiments, App 102 may include
features to capture, record, and document the condition of the user
before, during, and after the concurrent, contemporaneous but
intermittent, periodic, or sequential use of the present invention
with one or more pharmacologic agents, also referred to as
combination therapy. Such information recorded over time is part of
the wellness record, health record, or medical record of the user.
In some embodiments, App 102 is configured to secure, store, and
communicate the information in accordance with established data
security and privacy standards represented by Electronic Health
Record (EHR) guidelines (see
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/E-Health/EHealthRecords/index.html)
and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
compliance requirements (see https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html/;
see also
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/cloud-computin-
g/index.html).
[0029] Information captured during use of the present invention as
combination therapy serves multiple purposes. The combined effects
of the present invention and of the pharmacologic agent can be
compared to the effects of the respective monotherapies. These
comparisons can be made by varying the method of use of the present
invention, for example the duration of using a Halo.TM. system and
the time of day of use, the type of relaxation methods used,
whether more than one method is used, in the course of managing the
muscle tension or headache condition, including whether the system
is used as a preventive measure or as an acute therapy at or after
the onset of the muscle tension or headache condition. Additional
comparisons can be made by recording the combined effect of using a
Halo.TM. system with varying regimens of the pharmacologic agent
(including type, dosage, and frequency of administration). Since
the present invention and a given pharmacologic agent are
individually efficacious, their additive benefits are anticipated.
It is also anticipated that any undesirable side effects associated
with the pharmacologic agent might be reduced without compromising
the therapeutic benefit by reducing the dosage and/or frequency of
administration in combination with using the Halo.TM. system. The
extent of those benefits can be characterized and quantified by
controlled studies of a given combination therapy, for example in
clinical trials. The present invention is uniquely equipped to
facilitate such studies and clinical trials.
[0030] In one embodiment, components of the wearable device are
packaged in the form of a headband. The headband or its functional
equivalent is secured to the head of the user by means of
adjustable closures or by means of flexible, elastic materials. The
sensor array is positioned to contact the skin of the subject at
the frontal muscle group (consisting of, but not limited to, the
frontalis muscles), typically with a centrally located ground
electrode and two working electrodes, one on each side of the
ground electrode and located above each eye. The electrodes
function without the need for an electrically conductive gel
between the electrode surface and where it contacts the surface of
the skin. The headband is designed to fit comfortably on the head
of the user while exerting uniform pressure on all electrodes to
ensure good skin contact with minimal motion artifacts. Other
components of the wearable device are housed on a circuit board
subassembly integrated into a headband. In other embodiments, the
sensor array is built into the headband with integral conductive
elements. In other embodiments, the wearable device is in the form
of an enclosed, flexible, unitary construction, and protected
against solid and liquid intrusion during use. In other
embodiments, components of the wearable device are packaged in the
form of an audio headset. The sensor array is built into parts of
the headset that contact the skin, for example on the earcups. In
other embodiments, components of the wearable device are packaged
in the form of an earphone or an in-ear monitor, in which sensor(s)
are positioned on the peripheral surface of the device where it
contacts the skin. In such configurations, the sensors are designed
to collect signals primarily from the frontalis, temporalis, and
trapezius muscle groups that are strong indicators of muscle
tension.
[0031] In other embodiments, components of the wearable device are
packaged in the form of a neckband. The sensor array is built into
parts of the neckband that contacts various regions of the neck and
extend from the back of the neck to or beyond the collar bone.
Various embodiments of devices with sEMG sensors situated around
the neck capture signals related to muscle tension as well as heart
rate, breathing patterns, posture, teeth clenching, etc., thereby
enabling algorithms to identify and extract signatures associated
with specific medical conditions. In other embodiments, sensors or
sensor arrays are embedded in various forms of harnesses or
apparel: hats, caps, helmets, hard hats, form-fitting shirts,
halters, brassieres, chest straps, arm bands, waist bands, leg
bands, socks, underwear, gloves, and the like, to collect muscle
tension signals from the corresponding parts of the body. Other
types of sensors include, but not limited to, HRV, temperature,
oximetry, motion detection, and geolocation. These embodiments
significantly broaden the scope and capabilities of designs in
previous inventions (see Lillydahl, E. and Kirell, A., U.S. Pat.
No. 8,690,800, Systems and Methods for Reducing Subconscious
Neuromuscular Tensions Including Bruxism).
[0032] In some embodiments, multiple sensors are deployed in
conjunction with sEMG sensors to provide supplemental or
complementary information in the form of additional, discrete
"modes." Such information is used by healthcare professionals to
monitor and analyze the conditions of the patient and to support
intervention decisions. Thus, in some embodiments, multiple sensing
units 200, including different sensor types, are located in one or
more wearable devices to collect contemporaneous information from
one or more locations of the body, all connected to electronics and
algorithm whose multi-mode output delivers different types of
diagnostic information. For example, an sEMG sensor situated on the
frontal muscle group monitors muscle tension while a thermal sensor
placed at an extremity of the body monitors temperature variations
in response to stress. In this way, the system of the present
invention serves both the user and the healthcare professional
through a variety of configurations, information content, and user
interfaces to assist in delivering optimal outcome.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention involves features in
app 102 that promote user adherence to treatment protocols. These
include, but are not limited to, tracking functions that monitor
and document system usage; performance metrics showing the
condition of the user before and after a given treatment and
progress over time; reminders to initiate usage; information on the
type and dosage of pharmacologic agents the user may be using
either by self-administration or under the guidance of a healthcare
provider; and provisions to document user experience. Other
features of app 102 include on-demand coaching, provider
assistance, and telemedicine functions.
[0034] Sensors suitable for sEMG applications are available in
various materials of construction. In general, wet electrodes (or
dry electrodes with a gel-wetted contact surface to the skin)
exhibit low impedance that favors reliable signal capture. Dry
electrodes are more convenient in use and in storage, but exhibit
much higher impedance, and are susceptible to noise and motion
artifacts. Silver/silver chloride is a preferred dry electrode
surface because of its stable electrode potential. Other noble
metals such as gold also perform well. Hybrid electrodes are
commercially available that exhibit the electrochemical
characteristic of wet Ag/AgCl electrodes, but feature a dry contact
surface. Other conductive materials are suitable in certain
embodiments of the wearable device. These include, but are not
limited to, materials coated or filled with conductive particles
such as silver, chloridized silver, or carbon (graphite, graphene,
carbon nanotubes, carbon nanowires, etc.). In other embodiments,
conductive ink is used to create electrodes of various sizes,
shapes, textures, electrical properties, and on substrates that are
rigid or pliable, with optional three-dimensional features that
enhance contact, user comfort, and other features that optimize
manufacturability and cost. Specific implementation of electronics
and algorithm in the present invention enables reliable
registration of user signals by means of dry electrodes under
various use cases. This is a significant improvement over the prior
art based on wet, gel-coated, or composite electrodes constructed
from wet and dry components where system performance is acceptable
only over a limited range of skin conditions.
[0035] Signal processing in the present invention uses algorithms
designed to maximize signal-to-noise ratio, and provides sufficient
sensitivity to capture minor muscular activity that corresponds to
minor increases in tension, and sufficient headroom to avoid
saturation with intense muscular activity. In one embodiment,
signal processing comprises: 1) an impedance-matched differential
analog input stage connected to the sensor array; 2) common-mode
rejection to reduce stray electromagnetic interference; 3)
multistage analog amplifier; 4) analog-to-digital conversion; 5)
modified multivariate wavelet de-noising or functionally equivalent
algorithm; and 6) wireless transmission to the computing
device.
[0036] In an alternate embodiment, signal processing comprises: 1)
a sensor array; 2) an analog amplification and signal conditioning
subsystem that converts input from the sensors to an output voltage
that is proportional to the muscle tension of the wearer; and 3)
microcontroller and BLE circuitry that transmit the variable
voltage signal and related information wirelessly to the computing
device.
[0037] In an alternate embodiment, signal processing comprises: 1)
a sensor array; 2) an analog amplification subsystem that produces
a variable-frequency signal wherein the frequency is modulated by
the tension level of the wearer; 3) a frequency-to-voltage
converter that generates an output voltage that is proportional to
the input frequency; and 4) microcontroller and BLE circuitry that
transmit the variable voltage signal and related information
wirelessly to the computing device. The variable frequency signal,
scaled to span a convenient range in the audible spectrum, provides
a means of communicating the intensity of muscle tension to the
wearer in addition to, or in the absence of, visual feedback from a
computing device.
[0038] In either embodiment, signals collected by the sensor array
are processed to accurately reflect the intensity of the muscle
tension, track changes of the tension level, and communicated to
the computing device continuously or at specific intervals.
Optionally, when a pre-set threshold of tension level is reached,
on-board haptic, audio, and/or visual components are triggered to
provide alert feedback to the user directly from the wearable
device.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the wearable device can be used
independent of the computing device to offer a simplified feature
set. For example, the device can be set to respond to fixed or
pre-set muscle tension thresholds. When this threshold is reached,
the on-board user-interface is activated to alert the user to
initiate relaxation regimens.
[0040] In some embodiments, the present invention can be operated
on a stand-alone basis (i.e., sensor output is not transmitted
beyond the user's computing device), while in other embodiments,
sensor output (whether before or after processing/normalization)
can be transmitted to other computing devices (e. g., a server)
where it can be analyzed in conjunction with sensor output
pertaining to other users. For example, sensor output from many
wearable devices can be anonymized, aggregated, and analyzed to
reveal trends and to develop treatments/techniques that may be
applicable to all or many users. Accordingly, three levels of
implementation of the present invention are contemplated: 1) use by
individual users (i.e. consumer use); 2) group use (e.g., use by a
member of an institutional healthcare system); 3) use by
prescription user (e. g., independent patient under the supervision
of a healthcare professional such as physician, therapist,
counselor, etc.); 4) telemedicine in which the patient communicates
with, and receives counsel or treatment from, his/her healthcare
provider remotely in accordance with well-established methods and
protocols, preferably in real time; and 5) data analytics functions
that include, but are not limited to, machine learning capabilities
built into processes 251, or linkage with providers such as IBM
Watson.TM., Google Assistant.TM., and other emerging artificial
intelligence data analytics platforms. A general embodiment of the
present system architecture thus comprises: 1) a headband to
monitor tension; 2) a mobile application to guide the user through
a session and gather and upload data; 3) a web data management
application to gather and store information upload by each user; 4)
an analytics platform to report and improve effectiveness in the
application; and 5) a web interface application for users,
healthcare professionals, and system administrators to manage
information. This network architecture is illustrated in FIG.
4.
[0041] As indicated above, the present invention can comprise a
device that is designed to be worn on virtually any area of the
body to detect excess or desirable muscle tension in that area. In
particular, the wearable device can be configured such that, when
worn, the array of sensors will be positioned in contact with or in
close proximity to the skin overtop the muscles to be monitored. In
this way, the present invention can be employed to monitor and
treat many chronic pain conditions including, but not limited to:
tension headache; migraine; TMJ/MPD (Temporomandibular
Joint/Myofascial pain dysfunction); head/neck/shoulder/trapezius
pain; chronic pelvic pain (lower abdominal pain); non-disc low back
pain; hypercholesterolemia; PTSD; sleep disorders such as apnea or
insomnia; bruxism; hypertension; ADD or ADHD; urinary incontinence;
alcoholism or substance abuse; arthritis; general chronic pain;
fecal elimination disorders; traumatic brain injury; vulvar
vestibulitis; headache; cancer pain; back pain, neck pain, pain
associated with post-concussion syndrome, etc. In addition, the
present invention can be configured in such a way to monitor
rehabilitation of damaged muscles and muscles that have experienced
nerve damage, for example in patients recovering from physical
trauma and multiple sclerosis.
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise or utilize
computing devices such as special purpose or general-purpose
computers including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or
more processors and system memory. Embodiments within the scope of
the present invention also include physical and other
computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable
instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media
can be any available media that can be accessed by a general
purpose or special purpose computer system.
[0043] Computer-readable media is categorized into two disjoint
categories: computer storage media and transmission media. Computer
storage media (devices) include random access memory (RAM),
read-only memory (ROM), electrically-erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM),
solid state drives (SSDs), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM),
other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other similarly
storage medium which can be used to store desired program code
means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer. Computer storage also includes
network-attached storage (NAS) and cloud-based storage that are
accessible locally or remotely (for example over the Internet)
relative to the computing device of the present invention. The
result of this connectivity is virtually unlimited capacity for the
system of the present invention to store and manage information
even with relatively simple computing devices. Compared with legacy
treatment paradigms, mobile systems of the present invention can
reach a much broader population including those with limited means
or access to professional care facilities.
[0044] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example,
instructions and data which, when executed by a processor, cause a
general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special
purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of
functions. The computer executable instructions may be in the form
of programs written in high-level programming languages, or
low-level programming code such as, for example, binaries,
intermediate format instructions such as assembly language or
P-Code, or source code.
[0045] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
may be practiced in network computing environments with many types
of computer system configurations, including, personal computers,
desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held
devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, smartphones, other mobile telephones, personal
digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and
the like.
The invention may also be practiced in distributed system
environments where local and remote computer systems, which are
linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by
a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a
network, including local networks and the Internet, both perform
tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be
located in both local and remote memory storage devices. An example
of a distributed system environment is a cloud of networked servers
or server resources. Accordingly, the present invention can be
hosted in a cloud environment as shown in FIG. 4. In some
embodiments, computing environments and services supporting the
present invention are offered and accessed on-demand under the
model of "Software as a Service (SaaS)," for example using a thin
client via a web interface.
Methods of Treating Muscle Tension-Related Medical Conditions
[0046] A wealth of research has demonstrated that biofeedback
therapies are effective for a variety of conditions, most notably
behavioral and psychophysiological disorders (see Yucha and
Gilbert, 2004. Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and
Neurofeedback,
https://www.aapb.org/files/public/Yucha-Gilbert_EvidenceBased
2004.pdf). The present invention pertains to a platform technology
targeting reduction of stress and muscle tension that underlie a
wide variety of medical conditions, and the prevention, mitigation,
or resolution of those conditions.
[0047] Various embodiments of the present invention include one or
more methods of treating a patient having an indication, wherein
biofeedback and biofeedback-assisted relaxation therapy are
beneficial to treating the indication, and/or a symptom associated
with the indication. Various embodiments of the present invention
further include one or more methods of treating a patient having an
indication, wherein biofeedback and biofeedback-assisted relation
therapy alone (monotherapy) or in combination with one or more
therapeutic agents (combination therapy).
[0048] The potential benefits of combination therapies can be
appreciated in the context of current therapies based on
pharmacologic agents. Drug development is a constant quest to
balance efficacy and side effects, the extent of which depends on
patient condition, comorbidities, and other factors. Even the
latest formulations are still accompanied by significant adverse
reaction profiles (see Press Release, May 12, 2017. Eli Lilly.
https://investor.lilly.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=1026201; see
also MedPage Today, Apr. 26, 2017.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aan/64819). To the
extent that a combination therapy with the present invention is
more efficacious than drug monotherapy, opportunities exist to
reduce the dosage of the pharmacologic agent while achieving an
equivalent or superior therapeutic outcome depending on the synergy
between tension reduction and pharmacologic effects. This is the
concept of dose sparing. It is anticipated that a large fraction of
pharmaceuticals used in pain management that also carry undesirable
side effects are candidates for combination therapy with the
present invention. Furthermore, the present invention provides a
universal platform to collect, aggregate, and analyze very large
amounts of information from mono- or combination therapy, and
patient response to assist in dose optimization and dose sparing.
With advances in data analytics and artificial intelligence, the
present invention could provide fresh insight into drug development
and therapeutic approaches beyond the current paradigm.
[0049] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method
of treating a patient having an indication by a user wearing the
wearable device. A method of treatment further comprises
prescribing use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the
present invention includes a method of treating a patient having an
indication by the user wearing the device and administering one or
more pharmacologic agents intended to treat or prevent the
indication. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a
method of treating a patient comprising prescribing use of the
wearable device, and further prescribing one or more therapeutic
agents intended to treat the indication. In one embodiment, a
method of treatment of the present invention further comprises
administration of a therapeutic agent intended to treat the
indication to gain an improved therapeutic outcome. In one
embodiment, the patient is instructed to administer the therapeutic
agents in response to a user alert from the feedback unit, which
occurs in response to sensor data indicating the early onset or
presence of an indication. In one embodiment, a method of treatment
of the present invention further comprises one or more techniques
intended to treat the indication to gain an improved therapeutic
outcome. In one embodiment, the patient performs the technique in
response to a user alert from the feedback unit. In one embodiment,
a method of treatment of the present invention further comprises
use or prescription of one or more therapeutic agents and one or
more techniques intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the user is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent and perform the
technique in response to a user alert from the feedback unit. In
one embodiment, a method of treatment of the present invention
further includes prescribing and/or using one or more therapeutic
agents at a reduced dosage and/or frequency of administration
and/or route of administration and/or duration of administration to
reduce the frequency of undesirable side effects associated with
one or more of the therapeutic agents.
[0050] In some embodiments, the present invention may
diagnostically identify whether the user is a candidate for one or
more relaxation training techniques. In further detail, in some
embodiments, the present invention may detect excessive muscle
tension and/or may recommend one or more relaxation training
techniques intended to treat the excessive muscle tension. For
example, when the output of the sensor unit indicates that the user
is experiencing excess tension in one or more muscles or muscle
groups, the app 102 may be configured to select or determine the
relaxation training techniques intended to treat the excessive
muscle tension. In some embodiments, the app 102 may be configured
to select or determine the relaxation training techniques based on
a characteristic of the excessive muscle tension, such as, for
example, one or more of the following: a particular area of the
body in which the excessive muscle tension is located, a tension
pattern, a tension intensity, and a duration of tension.
Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the app 102
may be configured to select or determine the relaxation training
techniques based on sensor data from one or more non-sEMG sensors,
such as a time of day associated with tension, an activity or
motion associated with tension, or a level of illuminance and/or
sound associated with tension.
[0051] In some embodiments, the feedback unit of the device of the
present invention is configured to create a user alert in response
to sensor data. In some instances, a user alert is created prior to
the user detecting a physical symptom of an indication (e.g.,
pain), wherein the indication or a physical symptom indicative of
or associated with the indication (e.g., muscle tension) is
detectable by one or more sensors of the device. In one embodiment,
a user alert informs the user of the presence of a physical symptom
that may be indicative of one or more indications. In one
embodiment, a user alert informs the user of the onset of one or
more indications. In one embodiment, a user alert informs the user
of a status of one or more indications or physical symptoms
associated with an indication. For example, in one embodiment a
user alert indicates that a physical symptom indicative of an
indication is steady, increasing, decreasing, or absent. In one
embodiment, the wearable device and app of the present invention
are configured to detect and alert the user of early onset of an
indication and instruct the user to administer one or more agents
or therapies prophylactically, thereby preventing complete onset of
an indication. In one embodiment, the wearable device and app are
configured to monitor diminution of the indication and instructs
the user to modify or discontinue further administration of one or
more agents to minimize side effects associated with continued
administration after the required therapeutic effect has been
reached. The ability to dynamically regulate dosage in response to
real-time monitoring of an indication offers a level of therapeutic
control uniquely enabled with the present invention.
[0052] In one embodiment, a user alert instructs the user to
administer one or more therapeutic agents intended to reduce,
eliminate, or provide relief of a physical symptom of the
indication. For example, a user alert may prompt or remind a user
to administer an over-the-counter or prescribed medication to
reduce muscle tension and/or pain associated with muscle tension.
In one instance, a user alert may prompt or remind a user to
administer a nutraceutical agent. In one embodiment, a device of
the present invention detects a physical symptom, identifies an
indication from the physical symptom, and creates a user alert
instructing the user to administer a specific therapeutic agent
known to treat the indication.
[0053] In one embodiment, a user alert instructs the user to
initiate one or more techniques intended to reduce, eliminate, or
provide relief of a physical symptom of the indication. For
example, a user alert may prompt or remind a user to complete a
physical therapy exercise or relaxation activity, such as
stretching, deep or controlled breathing, progressive muscle
relaxation, focused muscle contractions, walking, meditation,
eliminating light, changing position, or assuming a body position,
such as lying down. In one embodiment, a user alert instructs the
user to initiate one or more techniques and one or more therapeutic
agents to reduce, eliminate, or provide relief of a physical
symptom of an indication.
[0054] In some embodiments, when the output of the sensor unit
indicates that the user is experiencing excess tension in one or
more muscles or muscle groups, the app 102 may be configured to
prompt the user to provide additional data via the app 102. The app
102 may use the additional data to determine the relaxation
training techniques intended to treat the excessive muscle tension.
In some embodiments, the additional data may include, for example,
a location of the user, a schedule of the user, health-related
information of the user, and/or data regarding the excessive muscle
tension, such as a location of the excessive muscle tension, a
strength of the excessive muscle tension, etc. In some embodiments,
the app 102 can also be configured to process the historical sensor
output, the historical samples, and/or the additional data to
detect tension patterns or to detect a potential indication.
[0055] The following exemplary applications illustrate general and
specific methods of use of the present invention.
Migraine
[0056] Migraine is a neurological disease characterized by
recurrent, severe headaches and other symptoms that are often
debilitating. Only a fraction of patients receive therapy; and most
of these receive pharmacologic therapy only. Pharmacologic side
effects are common and often cited as the cause for discontinuing
prevention therapy. The inventive technology can be used in the
treatment of acute headaches (migraine and non-migraine) in
combination with one or more of the following medications and for
the intended therapeutic benefit of using less of the medication,
or using it more safely, or using it more efficaciously, or any
combination of the foregoing.
[0057] Treatment for acute headaches (migraine and non-migraine)
often involves administration of drugs such as onabotulinumtoxinA,
topiramate, amitriptyline, propranolol, triptans (such as
sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and rizatriptan), nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as aspirin, ibuprofen,
naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, and ketorolac), acetaminophen,
barbiturates (such as butalbital), antidopaminergic drugs (such as
metoclopramide), muscle relaxants (such as cyclobenzaprine,
methocarbamol, tizanidine, metaxalone, diazepam, and alprazolam),
and vasoconstrictors (such as isometheptene). Other pharmacologic
agents used for preventive treatment of migraine include
anticonvulsants (such as valproate/valproic acid, gabapentin,
topiramate, and carbamazine), beta blockers (such as propranolol,
atenolol, and metoprolol), serotonin antagonists (such as
methysergide), antidepressants (such as amitriptyline,
nortriptyline, buspirone, pregabalin), antihistamines (such as
diphenhydramine and cyproheptadine). These and other analgesics are
used in label, off-label, and over-the-counter (OTC) indications
(see
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/condition-1116-migraine.aspx?names-dropdown=).
This broad selection reflects a diversity of patient conditions and
side-effect profiles. Very recent announcements of experimental
drugs such as fremanezumab, eptinezumab, galcanezumab and erenumab
demonstrate that drugs reduce migraine days effectively, but also
exhibit significant side effects. A monotherapy embodiment of the
present invention is expected to provide efficacy comparable to
current and experimental medications but with no side effects. A
combination therapy embodiment of the present invention with, for
example, topiramate, amitriptyline, fremanezumab, eptinezumab,
galcanezumab, or erenumab, is expected to return greater preventive
or therapeutic effects at dosages recommended by the drug innovator
companies, or comparable preventative or therapeutic effects at
reduced dosages and with fewer side effects. These advantages are
especially meaningful for pediatric migraine, where side effects
are less well tolerated, and a behavioral therapy, such as
biofeedback-assisted, non-invasive approach, is a welcome
alternative (see Powers, et al., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus
Amitriptyline for Chronic Migraine in Children and Adolescents: A
Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA. 2013 Dec. 25; 310(24): 2622-2630;
and Kroner, et al., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy plus Amitriptyline
for Children and Adolescents with Chronic Migraine Reduces Headache
Days to <4 Per Month, Headache 2016:56:711-716).
[0058] Opioids (such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine,
meperidine, tramadol, and hydromorphone) are powerful analgesics
that are used to treat migraine when other medications fail or are
ineffective. However, these chemicals carry serious side effects,
with risks of developing tolerance, dependence, medication overuse
headache, and narcotic-induced hypersensitivity. (see
https://migraine.com/blog/risks-of-long-term-opioid-treatment/; and
https://migraine.com/blog/recommended-guidelines-for-opioid-treatment/).
Over the course of a decade, opioid abuse and opioid use disorder
(OUD) have become a national crisis in the United States (see
https://wayback.archive-it.org/8315/2017
0119081343/https://www.hhs.gov/blog/2015/12/10/rates-of-drug-overdose-dea-
ths-continue-to-rise.html). These dynamics highlight the urgent
need for non-narcotic, and indeed non-pharmacological,
interventions exemplified by the present invention.
Epilepsy, Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease
[0059] Epilepsy and migraine are highly comorbid chronic neurologic
disorders. Their clinical presentation, risk factors, mechanisms,
and treatments overlap (see Epilepsy Foundation web site:
http://www.epilepsy.com/information/professionals/co-existing-disorders/m-
igraine-epilepsy; see also Silberstein, S. D. and Lipton, R. B.,
Headache and epilepsy. In: Ettinger A B and Devinsky O, eds.
Managing epilepsy and co-existing disorders. Boston:
Butterworth-Heinemann; 2002; 239-254). To the extent that the
present invention has demonstrated efficacy in resolving migraine
and other headaches, the same system and its underlying technology
are expected to show efficacy toward epileptic conditions.
Accordingly, the inventive technology can be used in the treatment
of one or more neurologic disorders in combination with one or more
of the following medications and for the intended therapeutic
benefit of using less of the medication, or using it more safely,
or using it more efficaciously, or any combination of the
foregoing.
[0060] Considerable research has been focused on illnesses of the
brain. There are studies suggesting association between migraine
and dementia (see
http://migraine.newlifeoutlook.com/migraine-and-dementia/; see also
http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/migraines-can-dementia-stroke-
-or-heart-attack-be-next) and Alzheimer's disease (see
http://ispub.com/IJH/8/2/11263) based on certain similarities in
cerebral alterations. With further investigation, the present
invention is poised to help relieve the symptoms or slow
progression of these neurological impairments.
[0061] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of seizure indications, comprising use of the
wearable device. The present invention further comprises a therapy
for treatment of seizure indications comprising prescribing to a
patient use of the wearable device as a monotherapy. In one
embodiment, the present invention comprises a combination therapy
that further comprises prescribing and/or using with the wearable
device one or more therapeutic agents intended to treat the
indication to gain an improved therapeutic outcome. In one
embodiment, the patient is instructed to administer the therapeutic
agent in response to a user alert from the wearable device or a
feedback unit associated with the wearable device. In one
embodiment, a method of treating a patient for seizure indications
further includes prescribing and/or using one or more therapeutic
agents at a reduced dosage and/or frequency of administration
and/or route of administration and/or duration of administration to
reduce the frequency of undesirable side effects associated with
one or more of the therapeutic agents.
[0062] Non-limiting examples of seizure indications that are
treatable by the methods of the present invention include epilepsy,
generalized seizures, absence seizures, focal seizures, simple
focal seizures, complex focal seizures, and secondary generalized
seizures. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for treatment
of seizure indications that are compatible with the methods of the
present invention include brivaracetam, carbamazepine, diazepam,
lorazepam, clonazepam, eslicarbazepine, ethosuximide, felbamate,
lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, perampanel,
phenobarbitol, phenytoin, pregabalin, tiagabine, topiramate,
valproate, and zonisamide.
Orofacial Pain (Including Temporomandibular Joint Disease (DV))
[0063] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of orofacial pain in combination with one or more of the
following medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of
using less of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it
more efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing.
[0064] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of pain and/or inflammatory indications, comprising
use of the wearable device. The present invention further comprises
a therapy for treatment of pain and/or inflammatory indications
comprising prescribing to a patient use of the wearable device. In
one embodiment, the present invention comprises a combination
therapy that further comprises prescribing and/or using with the
wearable device one or more therapeutic agents intended to treat
the indication to gain an improved therapeutic outcome. In one
embodiment, the patient is instructed to administer the therapeutic
agent in response to a user alert from the wearable device or a
feedback unit associated with the wearable device. In one
embodiment, a method of treating a patient for pain and/or
inflammatory indications further includes prescribing and/or using
one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage and/or frequency
of administration and/or route of administration and/or duration of
administration to reduce the frequency of undesirable side effects
associated with one or more of the therapeutic agents.
[0065] Non-limiting examples of pain and/or inflammatory
indications that are treatable by the methods of the present
invention include back pain, headache, toothache, muscular aches,
pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, common cold, flu, sinus
pain, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, bursitis, sprains,
inflammatory disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout,
tendonitis, fibromyalgia, and primary dysmenorrhea. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of pain and/or
inflammatory indications that are compatible with the methods of
the present invention include paraaminophenols, salicylates,
propionic acid derivatives, indoleacetic acids, benzothiazine
derivatives, pyrroleacetic acid derivatives, triptans, tricyclics
antidepressants, and COX-2 inhibitors.
Insomnia
[0066] An expert review conducted by the American Sleep Disorders
Association in 2006 of nonpharmacological treatments of insomnia
concluded that psychological and behavioral interventions were
effective in the treatment of chronic insomnia (see Morgenthaler,
T., Kramer, M., Alessi, C., Friedman, L., Boehlecke, B., Brown, T.,
et al. (2006). Practice parameters for the psychological and
behavioral treatment of insomnia: An update. An American Academy of
Sleep Medicine Report. Sleep, 29(11), 1415-1419). A subsequent
review of nonpharmacologic options that included relaxation
therapy, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy (i.e.,
various types of psychotherapy in which negative patterns of
thought about the self and the world are challenged in order to
alter unwanted behavior patterns or treat mood disorders) further
supported these approaches, particularly when medications are not
indicated, as an augmentation to medication, or as individual
therapy in short-term mild insomnia (see Morin, A. K., Jarvis, C.
I., & Lynch, A. M. (2007). Therapeutic options for
sleep-maintenance and sleep onset insomnia. Pharmacotherapy, 27(1),
89-110). These findings and recommendations are consistent with the
present invention as monotherapy and combination therapy, with the
added benefit of eliminating side effects in the case of
combination therapy.
[0067] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of insomnia with one or more of the following medications
and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less of the
medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of insomnia (i.e.,
sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance) include: suvorexant;
eszopiclone; zaleplon; zolpidem; triazolam; temazepam; ramelteon;
doxepin; trazodone; tiagabine; diphenhydramine; melatonin;
tryptophan; and valerian (see Sateia M J, Buysse D J, Krystal A D,
Neubauer D N, Heald J L. Clinical practice guideline for the
pharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia in adults: an American
Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep
Med. 2017; 13(2):307-349). Each drug is a candidate for combination
therapy to enhance an already significant improvement in sleep
quality observed in the course of developing the present
invention.
[0068] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of sleep-related indications, comprising use of the
wearable device. The present invention further comprises a therapy
for treatment of sleep-related indications comprising prescribing
to a patient use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the
present invention comprises a combination therapy that further
comprises prescribing and/or using with the wearable device one or
more therapeutic agents intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a
user alert from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated
with the wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a
patient for sleep-related indications further includes prescribing
and/or using one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage
and/or frequency of administration and/or route of administration
and/or duration of administration to reduce the frequency of
undesirable side effects associated with one or more of the
therapeutic agents.
[0069] Non-limiting examples of sleep-related indications that are
treatable by the methods of the present invention include sleep
apnea, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, restless leg syndrome,
and narcolepsy. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for
treatment of sleep-related indications that are compatible with the
methods of the present invention include dopamine agonists,
benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, melatonin receptor
simulators, opiates, anticonvulsants, anti-narcoleptics, and orexin
receptor antagonists.
Chronic Pain (Including Chronic Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Floor Pain
(Dyspareunia))
[0070] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of pelvic floor pain, comprising use of the wearable
device. The present invention further comprises a therapy for
treatment of pelvic floor pain comprising prescribing to a patient
use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the present
invention comprises a combination therapy that further comprises
prescribing and/or using with the wearable device one or more
therapeutic agents intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a
user alert from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated
with the wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a
patient for pelvic floor pain further includes prescribing and/or
using one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage and/or
frequency of administration and/or route of administration and/or
duration of administration to reduce the frequency of undesirable
side effects associated with one or more of the therapeutic
agents.
[0071] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of chronic pain in combination with one or more of the
following medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of
using less of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it
more efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing.
Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of pelvic
floor pain that are compatible with the methods of the present
invention include birth control pills, progestin,
gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists, NSAIDs, tricyclic
antidepressants, laxatives, and anticonvulsants.
[0072] In one embodiment, a combination therapy for treatment of
pelvic floor pain further comprises prescribing to a patient a
therapeutic device or procedure intended to treat pelvic floor
pain. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic devices or procedures
for treatment of pelvic floor pain that are compatible with the
methods of the present invention include physical therapy, physical
activity, and dietary restrictions.
Multiple Sclerosis
[0073] Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling
disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms can be relieved,
and disease progression delayed, but no cure exists at this time.
Immune modulators can be administered to reduce the frequency and
severity of attacks. Common medications include interferon beta
1-b, and a range of biopharmaceuticals (see
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/condition-1078-Multiple+Sclerosis). A
recent review pointed to the risks of MS-related stress leading to
stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression, and
pointed to the limitations of symptomatic drug-based therapies, and
the practice of mind-body medicine as especially helpful when
psychosocial stress is a factor or non-pharmacological options are
desired (e.g. during pregnancy) (see Senders, A., Wahbeh, H.,
Spain, R., and Shinto, L., Mind-Body Medicine for Multiple
Sclerosis: A systematic Review, Autoimmune Diseases, 2012, Article
ID 567324). Significantly, muscle relaxants were reported to be
helpful for reducing stress-triggered new MS lesions, anxiety and
depression, and to help spasticity, an issue in many cases of MS
(see Mohr D C, Hart S L, Julian L, Cox D, Pelletier D. Association
between stressful life events and exacerbation in multiple
sclerosis: a meta-analysis. BMJ 2004; 328: 731). This strongly
suggests that relaxation through biofeedback by means of the
present invention would provide similar outcomes, and to do so
without side effects associated with drugs.
[0074] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of multiple sclerosis with one or more of the following
medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less
of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. Specifically,
the present invention offers three areas of applicability: 1)
controlling stress to reduce incidence of new MS lesions; 2)
relieving anxiety and depression associated with MS; and 3)
reducing spasticity. Combination therapy embodiments of the present
invention include, but are not limited to, Avonex (interferon
beta-1a), Betaseron (interferon beta-1b), Copaxone (glatiramer
acetate), Extavia (interferon beta-1b), Glatopa (glatiramer
acetate), Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a), Rebif (interferon
beta-1a), Zinbryta (daclizumab), Aubagio (teriflunomide), Gilenya
(fingolimod), Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), Lemtrada
(alemtuzumab), Novantrone (mitoxantrone), Ocrevus (ocrelizumab),
Tysabri (natalizumab). Each combination therapy is expected to
return greater therapeutic effects at the same dosages of the drug
used alone, or to deliver comparable therapeutic effects at reduced
dosages and with fewer side effects.
Tinnitus
[0075] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of tinnitus, comprising use of the wearable device.
The present invention further comprises a therapy for treatment of
tinnitus comprising prescribing to a patient use of the wearable
device. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a
combination therapy that further comprises prescribing and/or using
with the wearable device one or more therapeutic agents intended to
treat the indication to gain an improved therapeutic outcome. In
one embodiment, the patient is instructed to administer the
therapeutic agent in response to a user alert from the wearable
device or a feedback unit associated with the wearable device. In
one embodiment, a method of treating a patient for tinnitus further
includes prescribing and/or using one or more therapeutic agents at
a reduced dosage and/or frequency of administration and/or route of
administration and/or duration of administration to reduce the
frequency of undesirable side effects associated with one or more
of the therapeutic agents.
[0076] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of tinnitus with one or more of the following medications
and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less of the
medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of tinnitus that are
compatible with the methods of the present invention include
anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, steroids, misoprostol,
lidocaine, and various herbal preparations.
[0077] In one embodiment, a combination therapy for treatment of
tinnitus further comprises prescribing to a patient a therapeutic
device or procedure intended to treat tinnitus. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic devices or procedures for treatment of
tinnitus that are compatible with the methods of the present
invention include tinnitus retraining therapy, a sound masking
device, cognitive therapy, dental treatment, cochlear implants, and
acupuncture.
Gastrointestinal Diseases
[0078] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases with one or more of
the following medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit
of using less of the medication, or using it more safely, or using
it more efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing.
Crohn's Disease
[0079] Stress adversely affects a person's normal digestive
process. Crohn's disease results from inflammation of the bowel.
Flare-ups are triggered or symptoms worsen as stress levels
increase. Conventional medical treatment are aimed at reducing
inflammation that triggers symptoms by means of anti-inflammatory
drugs such as oral 5-aminosalicylates (sulfasalazine [Azulfidine]
and mesalamine [Asacol, Delzicol, Pentasa, Lialda, Apriso]), which
are no longer in widespread use because numerous side effects
including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, and headache; and
corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, budesonide), which also have
serious side effects especially with extended use or only effective
in specific bowel locations. Immunosuppressants such as
azathioprine (Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol) are more
widely used but require close monitoring by physicians. Other
immune system suppressors include TNF inhibitors such as infliximab
(Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia).
These drugs cannot be used for people with certain conditions, with
the risk of serious complications. Other potent medications are
sometimes used where the patient does not respond to other
treatments. These include methotrexate (Rheumatrex), cyclosporine
(Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Hecoria),
natalizumab (Tysabri), Vedolizumab (Entyvio), and ustekinumab
(Stelara). Antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or
ciprofloxacin (Cipro) are also administered in cases where
bacterial infection is a concern.
[0080] Studies at the Mayo Clinic have identified biofeedback,
relaxation and breathing exercises to be effective stress-reduction
techniques to control symptoms and lengthen the time between
flare-ups (see Mayo Clinic website:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/bas-
ics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20032061). Accordingly, the present
invention in the form of monotherapy can be deployed as a
first-line treatment free from side effects, or in conjunction with
diet and exercise as a safer form of combination therapy than
medications, or used as combination therapy with medications cited
above at reduced dosages to mitigate adverse reactions.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and/or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
[0081] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD") and/or
irritable bowel disease ("MS"), comprising use of the wearable
device. The present invention further comprises a therapy for
treatment of IBD and/or IBS comprising prescribing to a patient use
of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the present invention
comprises a combination therapy that further comprises prescribing
and/or using with the wearable device one or more therapeutic
agents intended to treat the indication to gain an improved
therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is instructed
to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a user alert
from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated with the
wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient
for IBD and/or IBS further includes prescribing and/or using one or
more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage and/or frequency of
administration and/or route of administration and/or duration of
administration to reduce the frequency of undesirable side effects
associated with one or more of the therapeutic agents.
[0082] Non-limiting examples of IBD- and/or IBS-related indications
that are treatable by the methods of the present invention include
ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, collagenous colitis,
diverticulitis, and lymphocytic colitis. Non-limiting examples of
therapeutic agents for treatment of IBD and/or IBS that are
compatible with the methods of the present invention include
immunosuppressive drugs, steroids, NSAIDs, antibiotics, probiotics,
and various herbal therapies.
[0083] In one embodiment, a combination therapy for treatment of
IBD and/or IBS further comprises prescribing to a patient a
therapeutic device or procedure intended to treat these
indications. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic devices or
procedures for treatment of IBD and/or IBS that are compatible with
the methods of the present invention include proctocolectomy,
physical activity, counseling, acupuncture, and dietary
restrictions.
Constipation
[0084] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of constipation, comprising use of the wearable
device. The present invention further comprises a therapy for
treatment of constipation comprising prescribing to a patient use
of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the present invention
comprises a combination therapy that further comprises prescribing
and/or using with the wearable device one or more therapeutic
agents intended to treat the indication to gain an improved
therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is instructed
to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a user alert
from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated with the
wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient
for constipation further includes prescribing and/or using one or
more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage and/or frequency of
administration and/or route of administration and/or duration of
administration to reduce the frequency of undesirable side effects
associated with one or more of the therapeutic agents.
[0085] Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of
constipation that are compatible with the methods of the present
invention include laxatives, increased or decreased fiber intake,
stimulants, osmotics, lubricants, stool softeners, lubiprostone,
linaclotide, lactulose, and polyethylene glycol.
[0086] In one embodiment, a combination therapy for treatment of
constipation further comprises prescribing to a patient a
therapeutic device or procedure intended to treat constipation.
Non-limiting examples of therapeutic devices or procedures for
treatment of constipation that are compatible with the methods of
the present invention include physical therapy, pelvic muscle
training, physical activity, and dietary restrictions.
Anxiety
[0087] Many studies support the efficacy of behavioral modification
therapy including biofeedback in treating anxiety. Biofeedback is
generally regarded as being safer than drugs. Monotherapy based on
the present invention addresses the same symptoms of anxiety and
should thus be equally effective as other biofeedback methods.
Interestingly, a controlled study in 1977 first reported that
combining EMG biofeedback with the drug diazepam (Valium)
effectively reduced muscular tension. Results also indicated that
EMG feedback treatment without diazepam had a more prolonged
therapeutic effect for chronic anxious patients (see Yvon Jacques
Lavallee, Yves Lamontagne, Gilbert Pinard, Lawrence Annable, Leon
Tetreault, Effects on EMG feedback, diazepam and their combination
on chronic anxiety Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1977 Volume
21, Issue 1, Pages 65-71).
[0088] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of anxiety with one or more of the following medications
and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less of the
medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. The present
invention used as monotherapy or combination therapy with diazepam
will not only realize the promise of that early work for many, but
also significantly reduce the risks, including well-documented
abuse, of the popular drug. The selection of drugs to treat anxiety
conditions have since expanded significantly. A first group of
drugs are commonly used to treat general anxiety disorders,
including but limited to Lexapro; Cymbalta; Effexor XR; citalopram;
Paxil CR; escitalopram; quetiapine; sertraline; Paxil; venlafaxine;
paroxetine; pregabalin; duloxetine; Pexeva; and Irenka (see
https://www.drugs.com/condition/generalized-anxiety-disorder.html).
A second group of drugs are used to treat anxiety and stress,
including but not limited to Celexa; Prozac; sertraline;
citalopram; fluoxetine; Paxil; amitriptyline; venlafaxine;
paroxetine; Prozac Weekly; Luvox CR; Luvox; prazosin; and
fluvoxamine (see
https://www.drugs.com/condition/anxiety-stress.html). Each drug
from these lists is a candidate for use as combination therapy with
the present invention.
[0089] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of anxiety indications, comprising use of the
wearable device. The present invention further comprises a therapy
for treatment of anxiety indications comprising prescribing to a
patient use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the present
invention comprises a combination therapy that further comprises
prescribing and/or using with the wearable device one or more
therapeutic agents intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a
user alert from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated
with the wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a
patient for anxiety indications further includes prescribing and/or
using one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage and/or
frequency of administration and/or route of administration and/or
duration of administration to reduce the frequency of undesirable
side effects associated with one or more of the therapeutic
agents.
[0090] Non-limiting examples of anxiety indications that are
treatable by the methods of the present invention include panic
disorders, social anxiety disorders, and generalized anxiety
disorders. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for
treatment of anxiety indications that are compatible with the
methods of the present invention include antidepressants, selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antihistamines, and
beta-blockers.
Depression
[0091] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of depression with one or more of the following
medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less
of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing.
[0092] Many people take antidepressants such as Paxil, Zoloft, and
Prozac to treat depression. These are drugs known as selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
[0093] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of depression indications, comprising use of the
wearable device. The present invention further comprises a therapy
for treatment of depression indications comprising prescribing to a
patient use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the present
invention comprises a combination therapy that further comprises
prescribing and/or using with the wearable device one or more
therapeutic agents intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a
user alert from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated
with the wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a
patient for depression indications further includes prescribing
and/or using one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage
and/or frequency of administration and/or route of administration
and/or duration of administration to reduce the frequency of
undesirable side effects associated with one or more of the
therapeutic agents.
[0094] Non-limiting examples of depression indications that are
treatable by the methods of the present invention include major
depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder,
seasonal affective disorder (SAD), psychotic depression, postpartum
depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), situational
depression, and atypical depression. Non-limiting examples of
therapeutic agents for treatment of depression indications that are
compatible with the methods of the present invention include
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and
dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), atypical antidepressants,
tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
[0095] Certain types of SSRIs are also prescribed to treat
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although these
drugs are effective and generally safe when used as prescribed,
patients should be aware of potential side effects. For example,
administering an SSRI for orofacial pain may lead to worsening of
the pain. In some cases the patient experienced bruxism, broken
teeth, and headaches after taking an SSRI (see Ferguson, J M, SSRI
Antidepressant Medications: Adverse Effects and Tolerability,
Primary Care Companion J Clinical Psychiatry 3:1, February 2001,
22-27). Given the effectiveness of biofeedback for these
conditions, any drug regimen for anxiety, depression, and ADHD can
be used with the present invention as combination therapy.
[0096] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ("ADHD")
and/or attention deficit disorder ("ADD"), comprising use of the
wearable device. The present invention further comprises a therapy
for treatment of ADHD/ADD comprising prescribing to a patient use
of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the present invention
comprises a combination therapy that further comprises prescribing
and/or using with the wearable device one or more therapeutic
agents intended to treat the indication to gain an improved
therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is instructed
to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a user alert
from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated with the
wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient
for ADHD/ADD further includes prescribing and/or using one or more
therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage and/or frequency of
administration and/or route of administration and/or duration of
administration to reduce the frequency of undesirable side effects
associated with one or more of the therapeutic agents.
[0097] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of ADD and/or ADHD with one or more of the following
medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less
of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of ADD and/or ADHD
indications that are compatible with the methods of the present
invention include stimulants, amphetamine, dextroamphetamine,
lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, clonidine,
guanfacine, amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, nortiptyline,
tricyclic antidepressants, bupropion, escitalopram, sertraline, and
venlafaxine.
Cervical Vertigo, Disequilibrium and Dizziness, Globus (Functional
Dysphagia)
[0098] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of Cervical vertigo with one or more of the following
medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less
of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing.
[0099] Cervical vertigo is a common condition among head and neck
muscle tension syndromes, often resulting in dizziness and
disequilibrium. The usual treatment involves administrating
cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or amitriptyline. These are
antidepressants often rejected by patients due to their side
effects. The present invention is a safe alternative to treat
cervical vertigo-related conditions. Another condition that affects
40% of the population is globus, a persistent or intermittent
feeling of a lump in the throat when the person is under stress.
Anti-depressants and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective
treatments (see Bong Eun Lee and Gwang Ha Kim, Globus pharyngeus: A
review of its etiology, diagnosis and treatment, World J
Gastroenterol. 2012 May 28; 18(20): 2462-2471). The present
invention offers a modern, accessible tool for patients to manage
these conditions without drugs.
Hypertension
[0100] The relationship between stress and hypertension is well
recognized. Several studies including controlled clinical trials
and meta-analyses confirm that biofeedback via various means (HRV,
biofeedback-based training with active interventions such as
relaxation and meditation) resulted in reductions in blood pressure
comparable to active treatment with pharmaceuticals (see Nolan, R.
P., et al, Hypertension 2010; 55:1033-1039). A monotherapy
embodiment of the present invention is expected to provide blood
pressure reductions comparable to but with no side effects. A
combination therapy embodiment of the present invention in
conjunction with current hypertension medications is expected to
return greater preventative or therapeutic effects at dosages used
in the trials by the drug innovator companies, or deliver
comparable preventative or therapeutic effects at reduced dosages
accompanied by reduced side effects.
[0101] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of hypertension indications, comprising use of the
wearable device. The present invention further comprises a therapy
for treatment of hypertension indications comprising prescribing to
a patient use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the
present invention comprises a combination therapy that further
comprises prescribing and/or using with the wearable device one or
more therapeutic agents intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a
user alert from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated
with the wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a
patient for hypertension indications further includes prescribing
and/or using one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage
and/or frequency of administration and/or route of administration
and/or duration of administration to reduce the frequency of
undesirable side effects associated with one or more of the
therapeutic agents.
[0102] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of hypertension with one or more of the following
medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less
of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. Non-limiting
examples of hypertension indications that are treatable by the
methods of the present invention include malignant hypertension,
secondary hypertension, and renal hypertension. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of hypertension
indications that are compatible with the methods of the present
invention include thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE
inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), and beta
blockers.
Hyperlipidemia Indications
[0103] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of hyperlipidemia indications, comprising use of the
wearable device. The present invention further comprises a therapy
for treatment of hyperlipidemia indications comprising prescribing
to a patient use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the
present invention comprises a combination therapy that further
comprises prescribing and/or using with the wearable device one or
more therapeutic agents intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a
user alert from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated
with the wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a
patient for hyperlipidemia indications further includes prescribing
and/or using one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage
and/or frequency of administration and/or route of administration
and/or duration of administration to reduce the frequency of
undesirable side effects associated with one or more of the
therapeutic agents.
[0104] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of hyperlipidemia indications with one or more of the
following medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of
using less of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it
more efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing.
Non-limiting examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of
hyperlipidemia indications that are compatible with the methods of
the present invention include statins, fibrates, niacin, bile acid
sequestrants, ezetimibe, lomitapide, phytosterols, and
orlistat.
Urinary Incontinence
[0105] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of fecal and/or urinary incontinence, comprising use
of the wearable device. The present invention further comprises a
therapy for treatment of incontinence comprising prescribing to a
patient use of the wearable device. In one embodiment, the present
invention comprises a combination therapy that further comprises
prescribing and/or using with the wearable device one or more
therapeutic agents intended to treat the indication to gain an
improved therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the patient is
instructed to administer the therapeutic agent in response to a
user alert from the wearable device or a feedback unit associated
with the wearable device. In one embodiment, a method of treating a
patient for incontinence further includes prescribing and/or using
one or more therapeutic agents at a reduced dosage and/or frequency
of administration and/or route of administration and/or duration of
administration to reduce the frequency of undesirable side effects
associated with one or more of the therapeutic agents.
[0106] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of incontinence with one or more of the following
medications and for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less
of the medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of incontinence that
are compatible with the methods of the present invention include
anticholinergics, myrbetriq, alpha blockers, topical estrogen,
injections of botulinum toxin type A, anti-diarrheals, laxatives,
injectable bulking agents, increased fluid intake, and increased
intake of high-fiber foods. In one embodiment, a combination
therapy for treatment of incontinence further comprises prescribing
to a patient a therapeutic device or procedure intended to treat
incontinence. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic devices or
procedures for treatment of incontinence that are compatible with
the methods of the present invention include physical therapy,
bowel training, sacral nerve stimulation, posterior tibial nerve
stimulation, vaginal balloon, sphincteroplasty, treatment of rectal
prolapse, a rectocele or hemorrhoids, sphincter replacement or
repair, and colostomy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
[0107] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a therapy
for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"),
comprising use of the wearable device. The present invention
further comprises a therapy for treatment of PTSD comprising
prescribing to a patient use of the wearable device. In one
embodiment, the present invention comprises a combination therapy
that further comprises prescribing and/or using with the wearable
device one or more therapeutic agents intended to treat the
indication to gain an improved therapeutic outcome. In one
embodiment, the patient is instructed to administer the therapeutic
agent in response to a user alert from the wearable device or a
feedback unit associated with the wearable device. In one
embodiment, a method of treating a patient for PTSD further
includes prescribing and/or using one or more therapeutic agents at
a reduced dosage and/or frequency of administration and/or route of
administration and/or duration of administration to reduce the
frequency of undesirable side effects associated with one or more
of the therapeutic agents.
[0108] The inventive technology may further be used in the
treatment of PTSD with one or more of the following medications and
for the intended therapeutic benefit of using less of the
medication, or using it more safely, or using it more
efficaciously, or any combination of the foregoing. Non-limiting
examples of therapeutic agents for treatment of PTSD that are
compatible with the methods of the present invention include
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ("SSRIs"), sertraline,
paroxetine, paroxetine mesylate, escitalopram, venlafaxine,
citalopram, fluoxetine, amitriptyline, mirtazapine, and
fluvoxamine. In one embodiment, a combination therapy for treatment
of PTSD further comprises prescribing to a patient a therapeutic
device or procedure intended to treat PTSD. Non-limiting examples
of therapeutic devices or procedures for treatment of PTSD that are
compatible with the methods of the present invention include
counseling, physical activities, a companion animal, cognitive
behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and prolonged
exposure therapy.
Miscellaneous
[0109] Other embodiments of the present invention can be employed
to monitor and treat conditions including, but not limited to,
interstitial cystitis, dysmenorrhea, fibromyalgia, reflex
sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), "urethral syndrome," and vulvar
vestibulitis.
[0110] The exemplary applications above and the considerable
supporting research illustrate the extraordinary benefits of the
present invention based on a versatile, accessible mobile
technology platform that can be deployed stand-alone or to enhance
the latest advances in pharmaceutical development to improve
patient outcome. Being non-invasive, side effect-free and
drug-agnostic, the invention has virtually universal applicability
for conditions caused or exacerbated by muscle tension
syndromes.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0111] This example shows the results of a pilot study completed in
April 2017. The objective of the study was to determine the effects
of using the present invention on headache frequency and intensity
on human subjects.
[0112] Six subjects were enrolled in the New York City area with
varying headache conditions (such as tension headaches, migraines,
and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. The study began with a
four-week baseline period during which subjects recorded the
frequency and intensity of their headache condition. This was
followed by a four-week treatment period, in which subjects were
instructed to use Halo.TM. headbands and app each day for a period
of 15 minutes, recording their pain conditions and other use
experiences. Headache frequency was reported as episodes per week.
Headache intensity was subjectively reported on a standard scale of
0-10 (see Loder et al., Measuring pain intensity in headache
trials: which scale to use? Cephalalgia 32(3) 2012, 179-182).
Results are shown below in Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Headache Frequency Headache Intensity
Subject Baseline Treated Baseline Treated 10001 4 1 4 1 10002 3 1
2.5 3 10004 3 1 6 3 10005 8 1 8 1 10006 10 2 6 6 10011 3 3 4 4
[0113] Overall, five subjects out of six reported a reduction of
headache frequency with treatment using Halo.TM.; five subjects out
of six reported a reduction of headache intensity; all subjects
reported a reduction in muscle tension; four subjects out of six
reported an improvement in mood; two out of three subjects who used
over-the-counter or prescription pain medication reported a
significant decrease in the use of the medication; and all subjects
reported improved sleep quality.
Example 2
[0114] This example shows results from evaluation of a prototype
mobile system of the present invention conducted on a human
subject. The subject was a 28-year old American female in New York
City with a history of recurring headaches. Tests were conducted in
three stages between December 2016 and March 2017. In the first
stage the subject used various over-the-counter analgesics at
recommended dosages to manage headache symptoms (Sessions 1 and 2).
Conditions were self-assessed prior to drug administration
according to a standard headache scale, and then qualitatively
reassessed for the extent of relief. In the second stage, the
subject took an analgesic at the same time of using a prototype
Halo.TM. system for 5 min (Session 3). In the third stage the
subject used the prototype Halo.TM. system alone for a duration of
10 min on three occasions (Sessions 4-6). Results are shown below
in Table 2:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 HA Intensity prior to Halo (TM) Session
treatment* Drug treatment treatment Relief 1 9 ibuprofen + naproxen
No relief 2 6 aspirin Moderate 3 6 naproxen 5 min Complete 4 2 --
10 min Complete 5 3 -- 10 min Complete 6 1 -- 10 min Complete
[0115] These results suggest that analgesics alone was effective
for controlling headache to various extents but not reliably for
this subject. Combining the use of Halo.TM. system with the
strongest analgesic in the group produced complete relief of
moderate headache (Session 3). Using Halo.TM. alone appeared to
relieve mild headaches quite effectively.
[0116] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description.
* * * * *
References